B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 23

"B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 23" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Horse mates. Red moves first and wins in 5 moves; the key first move is H4+6. Below you will find the full solution, what each move achieves, where it could go wrong, and the alternative defences.

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Pieces on the board

Red has a General, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Horse. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Elephant, a Chariot, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red H4+6 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
1. Black K5+1
1. Black K5+1
2. Red R3=5 (check, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
2. Black K5=4
2. Black K5=4
3. Red H6-4 (threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 22 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Horse stands where it can be captured.
3. Black A4+5
3. Black A4+5
4. Red R5=6 (check, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Black A5+4
4. Black A5+4
5. Red R6+1 (captures the Advisor, checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
5. Red R6+1

Variations and alternative defences

What if Black defends differently? The alternatives below were checked with the rules engine; lines marked with a mating move lose at once, the others are worth trying on the analysis board.

3. Black A4+5
- If Black plays R6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=8 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=9 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=3 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=6. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 5 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 23"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Chariot & Horse mates.

How many moves does the solution take?

5 moves. The main line is shown above; alternative defences are covered in the variations section.

What is the key move?

The first move H4+6 starts the combination. Everything that follows depends on it.

Can I play this position myself?

Yes. Open it on ChessZing, where the board checks your moves and shows the solution if you get stuck.

← Previous puzzle: B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 24 Next puzzle: B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 22 →

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